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Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
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OHIP Covered Services
Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
WILDERMAN MEDICAL CLINIC
About Gout
Gout is a recurring attack of inflammatory arthritis in the joint area; it causes swollen, red, stiff, and often hot joints.
Men between the ages of 40 and 50 are especially susceptible to gout. Individuals are also more likely to develop gout if they consume excessive amounts of alcohol regularly; have a related medical condition, such as diabetes; or have a family history of gout.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include:
- Sudden onset of intense pain in affected areas.
- Most commonly, gout is found in the large joint of the big toe, though it may also occur in the joints of feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists.
- Swollen, warm joints with reddish discoloration.
- Patients may also develop fever alongside acute gout attacks.
Causes
Gout is caused by the accumulation of sharp urate crystals in small fluid-filled sacs around the joints; such crystal deposits result in joint inflammation, intense pain, and other symptoms of gout.
Diagnosis
Gout may be diagnosed by drawing fluid from afflicted joints and examining for the presence of urate crystals. A blood test may also be conducted to determine the level of uric acid in the blood. Please note that a high level of uric acid in the blood is not necessarily indicative of gout, and results should only be interpreted by a medical professional.
Treatment
We offer consultation, medication, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and ultrasound-guided cortisone joint injections.